I love sampling different fun fitness classes -- both at home (in Toronto) and when traveling. Trying something new helps me stay motivated, plus booking my workouts before I fly ensures that I always work out. I would never forfeit my money by not showing up.

Cravings seem to be a normal part of life for many people. And yet, in my work as a naturopath, cravings often signal an imbalance in the body. The body is literally craving what it most needs. The best scenario for both peaceful living and healthy weight management is that your body seeks only healthy foods.

Are you gaining weight despite "doing all the right things?" When it comes to fat loss, more exercise and less food is not always the answer. Although this approach makes sense in a vacuum, the human metabolism is far more complex. Here is your guide to cracking the code on sustainable weight loss.

Fortunately, not all smoothies are unhealthy or dangerous -- in fact, green smoothies, when made with the correct vegetable to fruit ratio, along with healthy fats and plant proteins, not only provide greater nutrition than many common sit-down meals, but also serve as an easy, real-food alternative to many dubious prescription medicines.

Bodyweight exercises are something that can be done anywhere, anytime and still give you a great workout without having to fight for parking spots at the gym or manoeuvre around the selfie taking crowd. Here's why bodyweight exercises can be very beneficial and a few combinations of them for a quick workout when you're in a rush.

Get rid of your destructive internal dialogue. You wouldn't let your best friend or child talk badly about their body and self-worth; why is it okay for you to berate yourself? Obviously be honest. Don't tell yourself you are making healthy choices if you're not, but don't metaphorically flog yourself with unproductive self-hate.

A trip to the carnival or fair is a summertime staple that most people don't want to miss. While the rides and excitement can be a strong lure, the food is also a much-loved reason for visiting. Notoriously deep fried, however, it doesn't exactly meet my standards for healthy or a good choice when you are trying to drop or maintain weight.

Instead of trying to overhaul all of your eating and lifestyle habits at once -- which often is overwhelming, complicated, expensive and sometimes even disgusting -- give your taste buds and life rhythms time to adjust. Find simple, realistic and effective healthy substitutions.

If you are like me, you try to find super foods that are not only super for you but taste delicious. After all, aren't we supposed to enjoy what we eat? Many of the fresh fruits we associate as 'summertime' treats are also some of the most beneficial in terms of their 'functional' benefits!

You need to become conscious of how often you mindlessly say you are "too busy" to make healthy choices. Then take a moment to ask yourself what is really going on. You may be busy, but are you really too busy?

I started thinking about all the lessons I've learned from being overweight and dieting for much of my 45 years. I did a little research. I came up with a plan. I lost 51 pounds by January 2016, and my weight has hovered (mostly) between 52-54 pounds lost since. This is how I did it.

When it comes to working out, boredom is the kiss of death. It is hard enough to make yourself train at the best of times -- and almost impossible when you feel like yawning! Core workouts can be particularly yawn-worthy. Front planks, crunches, bike kicks... snore. The great news is, your workout doesn't have to put you to sleep!

If you are going to spend a lot of time at work, you need to make sure you are living well, even amongst the stress and strain of deadlines and performance reviews. The good news: it's not as hard as you think. Try incorporating some of these simple principles and ideas into your average workday.